Easter Blessings

I've always loved Easter, and always will. For the Christian, this holiday is the most wondrous of all---because we are reminded of the most wonderful news we could ever hope to hear: Our Saviour conquered death, and lives forever!!! And.....we will live forever with Him! It just doesn't get any better than that. ~ So today as I dyed Easter eggs with my precious children (a tradition we love) and went about my usual "day before Easter" activities, I made certain to keep these thoughts at the forefront of my mind: Christ triumphed over death, He loves me and has forgiven all my sins, and I will live forever with Him. Praise the Lord for these most precious blessings! ~ He is not here: for He is risen. Matthew 28:6

Christmas Cactus for Easter!

The first Christmas after my precious mother went to Heaven, some friends gave me a lovely Christmas Cactus. Since I love plants, I was thrilled (and had fond memories of the dozens and dozens of beautiful plants my mother had grown--including a Christmas Cactus). So, being determined to not only keep the plant alive but also get it to re-bloom, I made certain to keep it watered and have it setting in a prime spot to get the sun it needs. I was thrilled the first time it bloomed at Christmas, but then the plant went two years with no blooms. However, I was encouraged the next Thanksgiving when it again bloomed. ~ Now as we are in the Easter season, my Christmas Cactus has begun blooming again! I am thrilled, since the blooms are a gorgeous shade of fushia and are so pretty. (The picture I've included above isn't my plant, but mine is very similar---just a little larger!) ~ Every morning when I open the window blinds where that plant is setting, I praise the Lord for this little "unexpected gift" of beauty that brightens my day! ~ It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord....Psalm 92:1

Highly Recommended Reading!

Bethany House Publishing company recently sent me some books to read and review, and I wanted to share them with others. The first one is a compilation of works that inspired the life of A.W. Tozer and is titled: From The Library of A.W. Tozer compiled by James Stuart Bell. After I received this book in the mail, I became SO excited---it was like getting a "treasure chest" in the mail! This book is filled with inspiring, thought-provoking writings by great Christians such as D.L. Moody, Martin Luther, and John Wesley, just to name a few. I cannot wait to tell my Pastor about this wonderful book! ~ The other book I received is The Whole Bible Story by Dr. William H. Marty. I'm also excited about this book, as it tells the Bible story in "plain, simple English." The author explains in the Introduction that he hopes this book will encourage people to read the Bible, and I really believe it will. From Creation to Revelation, the Bible story is clearly written in this book. I'm looking forward to sharing this with family and friends!

MARCHing into Spring!

It's mid-March and the Spring season is definitely making an appearance here in Georgia (although according to the calendar it's not officially Spring yet!). Even though I can truthfully say I enjoy ALL 4 seasons, it's always so nice when our bare trees start displaying buds and blooms--not to mention daffodils popping up in clusters, the forsythia (yellow bell) bushes covered with buttery-yellow blooms, and the birds greeting me with a chirpy concert everytime I'm outside. I LOVE it!! Now that I'm no longer teaching school, I have much more time to appreciate each season--and notice all the "little things" that make each one so special. Not that I didn't enjoy the seasons when my life was hectic, but it is nice now to be able to just stop and breathe in all the signs of Spring! ~ Wherever you live, I wish you a wonderful Spring season--with many reasons to feel renewed and joyful. ~ The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. Psalm 19:1

Tombstone, Arizona

I recently read another delightful book by Christian author Miralee Ferrell, and highly recommend it. Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona takes place in 1881, and is filled with plenty of action, excitement, and romance. The author makes it easy to visualize the characters and scenery in your mind, and the ending of the story is very satisfying. I've read Miralee Ferrell's other books and have certainly enjoyed them, but this one is definitely my favorite of her books! ~ If you're a fan of historical romance, be sure to read Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona by Miralee Ferrell. You won't be disappointed!

Courting Miss Amsel

Christian fiction author Kim Vogel Sawyer has written another wonderful historical novel that I highly recommend. Courting Miss Amsel is a delightful read that I thoroughly enjoyed! The story takes place in Nebraska in 1882, and follows a small-town schoolmarm as she strives to do the very best job she can. Her trials and victories come alive on the pages---as do all the characters. The ending of this wonderful story left me thinking (yet AGAIN!) how much I enjoy ALL of Kim Vogel Sawyer's writing. She truly brings the past alive for her readers, and that's why she remains at the top of my "Favorite Authors" list!

Winter Thoughts

There have been lots of comments lately about the Winter weather. Here in Georgia we've had our share of cold, rain, and even some snow and ice. But I'm sure folks in other areas of the country would consider our "bad" weather very mild! Something I've noticed---both in conversations and on Facebook postings---is that many folks are just TIRED of Winter. They're ready for nicer, warmer weather and Spring! And I must confess that I'm also really looking forward to seeing my trees have buds and green leaves, my azalea bushes flowering, and slightly warmer temperatures. ~ However, I'm reminded of my precious late Mama's words when I was younger: Don't wish your life away by being in such a hurry! ~ So I know it's fine to anticipate our lovely Georgia Springtime, but meanwhile I'll enjoy each day of Winter that remains---and know that God is in control and He has a purpose for each season. ~ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1