It's the TRUTH!

A thought occurred to me yet again this evening---not a new thought, but one that I wanted to share. It's really very simple: My entire day seems to go more smoothly when I begin the day by spending time with the Lord---especially reading my Bible. This isn't to say that any of us ever has a day without problems---oh no! That's just part of being alive--we encounter some kind of problem or difficulty or hassle (or whatever you want to call it) every day. BUT, for me personally, I can HANDLE those pesky problems much better when I've begun my day with the Lord. ~ I'm sorry to say that some days I'm in such a "rush" to get things done, and I wait and read my Bible later in the day. From now on, I'm going to make a serious effort to begin every day by spending time with God first---after all, the Bible is the TRUTH, so if I want a guidebook for my day it's right there in a book on my desk. And that's the truth!

A Lasting Impression

Recently I finished reading another book by one of my all-time favorite Christian authors, Tamera Alexander. As always when I read her books, I was again reminded of why she is one of my VERY favorite authors! A Lasting Impression is a wonderfully written historical novel set in a real place: The Belmont Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee. The story takes place after the Civil War, as the nation is still healing amidst reminders of the terrible war. Tamera Alexander has an amazing writing talent that makes the reader feel as if you're really there---walking among the characters of the story, and viewing the gorgeous Belmont Mansion with your very own eyes! ~ I don't want to give any details away, but if you're a fan of historical fiction, be sure and read A Lasting Impression. Now I'm eager to read the other books coming out in this series!

A New Year---and a New Word

It's already January 9th---this New Year needs to slow down! At the beginning of each new year, I used to write out a list of "My New Year Resolutions"---basically I was re-writing the same ones each year *sigh*. But several years ago I noticed that some folks had chosen a word (or the Lord had placed that specific word on their heart)---and that was their WORD for the year. So I decided to try that rather than a list of repeated resolutions. ~ Last year my word was PERSEVERANCE. And....overall that's what I did: I persevered with my physical therapy, home projects, etc. (not that I completed everything, though!). This year I honestly felt that the Lord has been nudging me towards SELF-DISCIPLINE. Because if I want to improve on my writing, I absolutely HAVE to be disciplined and WRITE!! Not just when I feel like writing, but times even when I'd rather be doing something else (such as playing with my cats---or being entertained by them *smile*). ~ Do you have a word or goal(s) for the New Year? I pray that this new year will be safe and healthy for us all. ~ Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Psalm 25:4

Wedding Bells and Christmas Bells

The month of December is especially joyous (and busy!) for my family this year. Earlier this month we were blessed to have my oldest daughter's Wedding, and the day was perfect! ~ Now we're preparing to celebrate Christmas---which is my most favorite holiday. Since I was so busy with wedding plans, I waited until after my daughter's wedding to really "dive into" my Christmas activities. But instead of feeling pressured and fretting about having everything done by a certain time, I've decided I'll keep doing the best I can, and really ENJOY the Christmas season. It really doesn't matter if some folks receive their Christmas cards a day or so after December 25, or if I don't get to bake quite as many cookies as I usually do. What matters is that I stay FOCUSED on the true meaning of this special time: Celebrating my Savior's birth! ~ And as I re-read the Christmas story from my Bible, I'm still in awe of what happened those many years ago---and so very thankful for that most precious Baby born in a stable. ~ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Return unto Him!

As I was searching for a particular Bible verse this morning, another verse caught my eye and seemed to "jump out" at me! I read and re-read this verse, and couldn't help but think how so many Scripture verses apply directly to our world today. This is from II Chronicles 30:9: ...for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away His face from you, if ye return unto Him. ~ If you listen to the news, it can be downright frightening. Not only crime in your own city, but hearing about the strife among so many countries--and in particular--how certain countries are so against our U.S. ~ I feel very strongly that as Christians we need to pray earnestly for our country each day (and pray for our leaders!). And as the Scripture above states, we need to RETURN UNTO HIM!!! May I always do the best I can to pray for my country and live a life that honors my Lord.

Trivia Tuesday

I'm writing this late Tuesday night, but by the time I finish it will most likely be Wednesday! Below are a few more bits of trivia that I found interesting. I'm not sure why I've always enjoyed trivia---maybe because some of it is amazing, and some is downright silly! ~ Okay, here's another list of Trivia from CatMom:
A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.
Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.
In England, the Speaker of the House is not allowed to speak during a debate.
The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing on a keyboard.
Cats have over 100 vocal sounds, while dogs have only 10.
Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated. (Who knew? Haha)

To Have and To Hold

Historical romance is my absolute favorite genre to read (and write!). So I want to share another wonderful book I've recently read written by two wonderful authors I've had the honor of meeting in person (and they are both precious!). To Have and To Hold, co-written by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller is set on the Georgia coast in the late 1800s. Since that happens to be my family's favorite vacation spot, this book was extra-special to me. The authors did a fabulous job of capturing the landscape of that area, and the characters "came alive" as I read the intriguing story set on a fictional island (near the real Jekyll Island). Tracie and Judy also did a fabulous job of providing a very good balance of action, romance, and even bits of suspense throughout the story. If you're a fan of historical fiction, be sure and look for To Have and To Hold (which has a GORGEOUS cover too!). Highly recommended!