One Year Ago....

It's hard to believe it has been exactly one year ago that I entered a major Atlanta hospital for what was supposed to be three spinal surgeries. Due to some serious complications, my neurosurgeon had to bring me out of anesthesia during the 3rd procedure, let me rest for five days, and then finish correcting my spine (resulting in a total of 4 surgeries in an 8-day period!). Yes, it was truly the roughest time I've ever been through. BUT....I wasn't alone. The Lord was with me the entire time, and I felt His presence beside me even during long, agonizing nights. I also knew there were countless people praying for me---not only precious family and friends, but folks I didn't even know! I am convinced those prayers helped me through that ordeal and through the long healing process after I returned home. God is sooo GOOD! ~ As rough as that time was, I look back now and see so many blessings that came during (and after) that time in my life. The care and kindness of not only family and friends, but also the hospital staff helped to ease the pain and fear during my hospital stay and recuperation. ~ As I prepared myself for that experience, I clung to a verse from the book of Isaiah. That verse will always be special to me, and I praise the Lord for His protection and comfort in all the trials of life. ~ Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

National Doughnut Day

YAY! At last, I have a legitimate excuse to eat my favorite: a creme-filled doughnut! Mmmmm.... ~ It's true that I've never met a doughnut I didn't like. Several years ago my husband made that comment about me, and although I laughed at the time, later I realized how very true his words were. ~ So if you're a doughnut-lover like me, go ahead and indulge today, and ENJOY every yummy bite!

May We Never Forget...

Since today is Memorial Day, I wanted to briefly share a thought that has been on my heart. So many of us (myself included) tend to take for granted our freedoms in this great country. We don't mean to, but we are so blessed with an excess of not only material possessions, but the freedoms we have everyday. As we honor the men and women who have served (and continue to serve) our United States of America, may we never forget the price so many have paid, so that we can continue to enjoy our freedoms and blessings. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AMERICA!!!

The Officer's Secret

Christian author Debby Giusti has written a wonderful suspense book that I highly recommend! The Officer's Secret is a captivating story set at a fictional military base here in Georgia. Although I normally read historical and contemporary romance stories, I thoroughly enjoyed reading a suspense book. Debby Giusti's style of writing kept me turning pages and eager to see what happened next! ~ Even if you don't usually read suspense (and especially if you DO!) I'd encourage you to hurry and get this book while it's available (in my area the Walmart and Kroger stores carry it). The Officer's Secret is in the LOVE INSPIRED line of books, so should be easy to locate in your store. ~ On a personal note, Debby Giusti is not only a talented author but a precious lady (and prayer warrior!) as well. I look forward to reading many more of her books!

Sunflowers and Squirrels

I LOVE sunflowers!! And (this may sound crazy, I know)....I LOVE squirrels! Well, maybe I shouldn't say "love"---but I think they're cute, and I feed them well on my deck. After all, they entertain me with their antics as they chase each other and sprawl on my deck railing as if they're sunbathing. ~ Last year I planted some sunflower seeds in a nice, sunny spot in my backyard. Sadly nothing ever happened. I decided that some of the squirrels must've dug up the seeds for a meal, and I accepted the fact that the only sunflowers I'd ever have would be the artificial ones in my home (I use a "sunflower" theme in my kitchen).

About six weeks ago I noticed a weed growing in a large discarded flower pot on my deck. The pot is filled with dirt and had once housed a plant that's no longer with us, but I'd figured the large flower pot would be useful one day. I started to go out and pull the weed out of the dirt, but was curious as to how tall it would grow, so I let it be. Each week the "weed" grew taller, the stem sturdier, and the large green leaves seemed to be quite healthy. Could it be a sunflower? I looked on the internet at different types of sunflowers and compared the leaves with the ones in the pot on my deck. A few days later a beautiful sunflower bloomed in that flower pot---not a weed, but a SUNFLOWER!!! Needless to say, I was thrilled! I decided that perhaps my squirrels felt guilty about digging up my seeds last year, so they planted some seeds for me in that discarded pot. ~ More blooms have appeared, and it's been an unexpected blessing as I've enjoyed the gorgeous bright yellow blooms from my kitchen window. ~ This has reminded me of how the Lord gives us unexpected blessings in life. Sometimes when we least expect it, He blesses us in a special way. May I always be thankful for ALL my blessings, and may I remember to give thanks to Him!

My Interview!

I am sooo excited and honored! Author Keli Gwyn has interviewed me for her blog: Romance Writers on the Journey, and my interview will be posted at 7 p.m. Eastern time on May 9. The link is: http://romancewritersonthejourney.wordpress.com ~ I think it's wonderful that Keli interviews writers who are yet unpublished. Doing this has really made me feel special!! Thanks, Keli!! :)

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