Musing: Little Blessings from God

Sometimes...when the sky is gray,

When troubles come,

When all seems lost...

I think it's useless to try.

I cry.

Feel lost.

Pressured.

But then...

I'm reminded that...

God has made everything beautiful in its time. 

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Weeds that are beautiful.

Simple Pleasures

Divine Delights.

Extraordinary Moments

God's gifts and reminders to me:

A woodpecker busily drilling holes in a local Maple tree.

He paid no mind to me as he worked though

I stood almost directly beneath him
while he busily did his thing
with no worries to speak of.

I see children in their innocence playing, creating, happy.

Why should I not be so?

Grandson Jonathan, at his YMCA swimming/lazer tag birthday

party, when he came out of the water and handed me his goggles.

"Gwandma, will you hold these for me?"

My heart melted! 

(This pic wasn't taken at the YMCA,

but it shows his love of water!)

The little red fox who ran off the road 

and peeked at us as we drove by:

He'd just lost his mate.
Sad? Maybe.
but life goes on.
God has a plan.
I just have to trust and remember.

His love of trying new things.
Sometimes he's nervous, but always determined to carry it through.
Why should I not do so also,
especially knowing I have a BIG God?

Grandson Wes at his archery shoot.

Love when he shows his gentle side!

If God cares for the lilies of the field, 
how much more does he care for us?

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

More Than Rubies

 A wife of noble character who can find. She is worth far more than rubies. Proverbs 31:10

Proverbs says “a wife of noble character is worth far more than rubies”, a statement that intimidates most women. It makes me think of my mom. She made her family her entire world. She loved my dad with a love that’s still single-hearted twenty-two years after his death, and we knew she loved us. That sacrificial love that dominated her life reminds me of the Proverbs 31 woman. My lullaby was often the sound of her sewing machine as she made our clothes.

The woman described in Proverbs 31 intimidates us because we believe she was some kind of super-woman, impossible to emulate. However, I think we’re seeing a glimpse of her entire lifetime, not one single day. She provides an example of the attitude all women should have toward the importance of serving as a wife and mother. This outlook is worth more than rubies to the Lord.

This interpretation is rare in our world today. However, we must undertake our task with eager hands, seeing it as important above all but our relationship to God. Her arms were strong and her lamp burned late into the night as she cared, not only for her own family, but those who suffered need.

This woman’s husband was well respected and she behaved in manner that honored him. The influence she made through service to others gave her the reputation of possessing strength and dignity. Rather than eating the bread of idleness, she prepared for her family’s needs far ahead of time. She undertook her God-given task as a wife and mother with a seriousness we are to emulate.

Her husband called her blessed, not only for her abilities as a homemaker, but for a spiritual life and commitment that served as an example. To make the Lord our highest priority, spend time in His word, seek His wisdom, pray for our family, and serve them with joy causes us to become the woman God created us to be.

There is winsomeness about a woman who puts her husband and family first. Nothing is wrong with having a career. Today’s economy often requires that women work outside the home. The key lies in what we see as our ultimate purpose, and that key is found in scripture.

If we first bless our families, the Lord will bless us in every area of life. Then we will be seen as more valuable than rubies, for our commitment, example, and the blessing we bring to others.

© Copyright by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, 2011 and January 19, 2018

Norma Gail’s debut contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 41 years. They have two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with her, you’re to follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon. 

Real Reasons Change on a Dime - Thoughtful Thursday

Hey, y'all! Caryl McAdoo here! :)

I recently returned from Nashville where I attended the Christian Fiction Readers’ Retreat (CFRR) and the American Christian Fiction Writers’ (ACFW) Conference’ Marketplace. Carting my books, forever optimistic me hoped to sell enough to offset the cost of the trip; I drove, too. It’s so funny that after all these years, I still carry way too many and barely sell a fraction of what I fully expected to.

But you know what, I like that about me. Was I disappointed? Not for a minute! I was having way too much fun hugging necks and making face-to-face contact with so many Friends I’d met on Facebook over the years!

Joy & me

One of my eVALUaters (that’s my group of influencers who help promote my novels) Joy Gibson drove over three hours to have lunch with me. She’s been a wonderful supporter and fan of my writing for two years, but we’d never met in person! Her dear husband drove her all that way because she can’t drive anymore. What a blessing for me. Joy has a wonderful testimony! I love her! The lunch at Cracker Barrel was perfect!

Susan & me

On the first night in Nashville with the CFRR the next morning, a reader, Susan Lindsey Rogers got in touch with me through my phone’s facebook messaging, and we went to Panera Bread for supper together! It was such a great time visiting and getting to know one another!

Bonnie & me

That next morning, one of my dearest supporters, Bonnie Roof—she founded the CFRR with two others—came in and I could not wait to hug her neck! I’ve loved my Bonnie for years. She’s been such a blessing in my life!








Connecting with authors who are good friends I’ve met and seen the last three years at ACFW and others I’ve met on Facebook but never seen face-to-face thrilled me yet again!

I met bloggers, too, from blogs I'd visited!



My Thursday Thought : In the end, the amazing time that I had didn’t have a
thing to do with books, but the blessings God has brought to my life in this one-of-a-kind community I’m a part of…the Christian fiction authors and readers.

They hugged my neck and we visited! Truly such a divine appointment. I pray you all have the opportunity to go to such an event and have as good a time as I did! catalyst to get me      

GIVEAWAY* GIVEAWAY* GIVEAWAY

I love to give books away, so if you’ll leave a comment here on how God’s blessed you recently, I’ll put your name in the hat to be gifted a print copy of VOW UNBROKEN, book one in my historical Texas Romance series!

Hugs and blessings, y’all!

BIO: Caryl McAdoo loves God, and currently writes four series: the historical Christian ‘Texas Romance’ a family saga; a contemporary ‘Red River Romance’; The Generations, her Biblical fiction, and the newest Days of Dread Trilogy for mid-grade readers. Known as the “Singing Pray-er”, she loves praising with new songs the Lord gives her and prays her story gives God glory! In 2008, she and high school sweetheart-husband Ron moved from the DFW area—home for fifty-plus years—to the woods of Red River County. Caryl counts four children and sixteen grandsugars life’s biggest blessings, believing all good things come from the Lord. Besides glorifying Him, she hopes each title also ministers His love, mercy, and grace to its readers. The McAdoos live in Clarksville, the county seat, in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State with two grandsons.

THE BEDWARMER'S SON (New Release Available for pre-order)  Author Page 

Website    Newsletter    YouTube (Hear Caryl sing her New Songs!)   Facebook    

Blog    BookBub    GoodReads    Google+    LinkedIn    Twitter    Pinterest        

A FUN PUZZLE for you!          

A Month of Thanksgivings

The older I get, the more I appreciate the "little" things. This week I accomplished--with God's help, of course, some "big" things such as:

• finishing the edits on the first book in my new cozy mystery series: Sabotaged Christmas. Thrilled that it's ready to go!
• Won another notable award for my The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, and no, I'm not bragging. So many people had a hand in encouraging and praying for my endeavor! God is good.
• A successful board meeting 

But those are the "big" things. What about those things that happen in our lives that don't seem as important--but are!--or that aren't seen or known about to others? Here's a few I'm thankful for this month:

The smile on my youngest grandboy's face 

when he's happy. 

The protection on my twelve-year-old grandson when he fell from a tree Sunday night. A trip to the doctor's and stitches, but will live, thank God!

Nice weather that gives me a smile.

flowers from hubby

Birthday roses

Accomplishment on my work
Hubby's so valuable help while I'm working
Seeing my oldest son and enjoying a meal out with him last weekend.

A fun cake from a friend!

Medicine that is helping a medical problem
Posts of encouragement I read most days.
Possibilities that keep me motivated.

Good food.  

Broccoli cheese soup.

 

Little things, but things that mean a lot to me.  This month, this day, I'm thankful for them and so much more. 

What's on your list of thankfulness?

ABOUT Carole

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 


Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Thanksgiving and Praise!

Looking back isn't always a good thing to do. 

I've always believed in forgetting the mistakes behind us and moving forward.  

But in preparation for this Thanksgiving, 

I want to look at MY past year and thank God for the many blessings I've enjoyed this year. 

I hope you enjoy them too!

January-March:

Made it through a long winter without much sickness.

Christmas 2013 was late but we enjoyed it early 2014, and we had one!

April:  A Woderful Easter.

Plenty of inpsired worship.

Fun with the grandkids' Easter basket hunt.

A delicious meal.

A lovely summer: not too hot, not too cold. 

Too short, but still delightful!

At the lake.

Delightful times at the lake house! 

Picnics. Swimming. Relaxation. Boating. Fishing. 

August Camping in N.C. 
Fun with grandson, family, and new friends!
.
 

A wonderful October month. 

Husband made sure I had a wonderful birthdday celebration.

Our church shared greatly with us for Pastor appreciation month. 

What fun and how nice to be appreciated!

November: the release of the first book of my WWII Spies series: 

With Music in Their Hearts: 

a long awaited book that is a total delight to share with my readers.

An early Thanksgiving dinner with family, 

knowing our sons love and respect us, 

our daughter in law is a good mother and wife, 

and our grandboys enjoy being with us.

How do you count YOUR blessings?

Blessings!

Blooming Blessings

This is a little longer than most posts. I wrote a short story about the history of a plant in our yard that I didn't plant. I hope you enjoy it. Lora

May 1878, Five miles west of Smithville, Missouri

Sarah Anderson dribbled water onto the cloth surrounding a wilting vine. She could kick herself for letting it dry out. If Mama’s precious wisteria died, Sarah would bear the loss for the rest of her life. There’d be no going back to Virginia to get another cutting.

“Sarah?” Her husband, Will, held the hand of their toddling son. “You about finished? Little Ralph needs a diaper change, and we need to get this wagon unloaded.”

Sarah bobbed her head. “I hope it makes it. I’ve done my best to nurse it along.”

“I don’t know anybody better with plants than you are. You’re gonna be handy to have here on the farm.” He gave her the dimpled grin that had won her heart three years ago. “I know the train would’ve been faster, but the freight prices would’ve cleaned us out.”

“You don’t have to explain. I remember our reasons. It hasn’t been as bad a trip as some I’ve heard. The ferry over the Mississippi—that was pretty hair-raising, but the rest has been uneventful. We’ve been very blessed.”

#

May 1923

A welcomed rain shower splashed onto the purple-flowered vine climbing the fence. Looking out the farmhouse’s front window, Wilma Anderson whispered a prayer of gratitude. The dry spring had her new husband, Albert, fretting somethin’ awful. No rain meant no crops and no repairs to the roof. Wilma smiled as his brawny hands traced her waist and pulled her into a solid embrace.

“You’re as grateful for the rain watering that worthless wisteria vine as you are for it saving the corn crop.” His warm breath tickled her neck. “Wisteria don’t put food on the table, you know.”

“I know, but it puts joy in my soul. Your dad would grieve if his mama’s plant died.”

“Yeah, he would. I’d be kinda sorry myself.”

Wilma stroked Albert’s stubbly cheek. He acted tough in front of folks, but deep down, he was quite a softie. She was so very blessed.

#

May 1992

“Bill, could you cut out this rotten vine on the fence-row?” Lora Young brushed the hair from her eyes and shoved the garden trowel back into the tool bag. “It’s wrapping itself around my lilies, and I’m afraid it’s going to kill them. I’d do it myself, but there’s poison ivy in there too.”

“Let me grab the brush cutter.” He opened the shed and got to work.

Thirty minutes later, the once robust vine had been trimmed back to a few straggly bits clinging to the wire fence.

Not many husbands would have so readily done that job. Bill was first among her many blessings..

#

May 1993

Lora looked out the passenger seat window as Bill slowed to turn in the driveway. She frowned. “What are those flowers on the fence-row?”

Bill leaned forward. “Don’t know. Let’s take a look.”

A few minutes later, after getting her little girl out of the booster seat, Lora followed Bill and their two boys across the lawn. As she walked, a heavenly fragrance filled her nostrils. Deep green leaves covered twenty feet of the fence. Clusters of purple florets hung like grapes and dotted the vine

“This is the vine you trimmed last year.” Lora set down her wriggling daughter and fingered the dangling flowers. “Cutting it back must have encouraged it to bloom, and now we get to enjoy the blessing it brings.”

Could it be that God’s pruning will help us bloom?

Don't forget to post a comment to be entered into this week's giveaway!

Lora Young