Ready for Easter?

 

Thanks to Donna Keevers Driver for creating this.

Palm Sunday

Jesus Christ enters Jerusalem, cheered as a conquering hero. He is celebrated as the king and yet, do any of those celebrants really believe what they're saying? They wanted a hero to defeat the Romans. They wanted the miracles. Who among them wanted to repent of their sins? Who among them wanted to humble themselves before God and accept Jesus as the Savior and Redeemer of their souls though they would continue to suffer in life? Who among them would hold true to Jesus no matter how difficult life became? Who among them was willing to suffer for Jesus sake? Am I?

Brain Dump

So congress has decided to write a law to stop tariffs, not the tariffs being placed by other countries costing the American people but the tariffs that are evening the playing field, equal to what other countries are charging the US. So equality for other countries but not for the US taxpayer. Dear Congress, you work for US not them. Dear Congress, WE the people voted in this president, decidedly, stop violating our vote; he isn't doing anything he didn't say he would do: WE knew what we were voting for, and just because you don't like it doesn't give you the right to act against our votes. No, you are NOT smarter than we are. You have proven how not smart you are and how greedy you are. You make promises to get elected and then violate those very promises to keep everything the same, money rolling into your pockets and out of ours. You work for US not US for you. 

Prepare for Easter

Christmas is fun, a birthday, joyous, but only the beginning. Easter is the end for which the first was made. Easter captures the full range of evil and good with the clear victor being good. Perhaps the reason we don't celebrate Easter like we do Christmas is because of the ultimate sadness involved. We only want the happy parts of the story. However, it's the sad parts that make the happy possible, not just for now but for always. At Christmas, Jesus is the gift. He teaches us how to live our best life, to become our best self. At Easter, He gives us the greatest gift possible: Deliverance by conquering death and hell; He saves us body and soul. Everyone will be resurrected, everyone! No exceptions. Everyone is given the opportunity to accept Jesus as their Redeemer, Savior, Lord, and King to live with Him forever. Some will not choose Him, but they are given the right to choose. Those who choose Him will know unimaginable joy. Easter is the annual reminder of the choices we have before us. Which path will you choose?

REAL 2025 April 7

Unfortunately, I injured my knee, so walking has been hindered significantly. I am eating much healthier and feeling it and losing weight consistently. My sleeping habit have improved, but unfortunately, this means my nightmares are back, every single night. I wake up tired either way. I'm endeavoring to be ALL IN with God, learning experience. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Time with friends

~ Good movies

~ Beautiful weather

~ Good books

~ God's grace 

Brain Dump

Judges cannot only be impeached but should be impeached when their opinion defies the Constitution or is an attempt to legislate from the bench. Judges are not sacred or holy or above everyone else. Judges are on the bench to uphold the laws of the land. If they don't agree with those laws, they are not permitted to go their own way. Impeach every judge who thinks and acts like he/she is smarter, wiser, better than those they serve. They are no longer fulfilling their purpose and should not be stealing money (pay) from those they serve.

TBR 2025

26.  Deception of Massive Proportion (The Billionaires Club Book 3) by Victorine E. Lieske comedy romance. 

27. Under the Summer Mistletoe (Christmas Holiday Extravaganza series short story) by Stacey Weeks western romance. 

28. Mirror Mirror (The Grace series Book 1) by Staci Stallings Christian romance. Yes, I've read the series before, but I've been wanting to read it again. 

29. When I'm Weak (The Grace series Book 2) by Staci Stallings Christian romance. I love this series.

30. A Love Like This (The Grace series Book 3) by Staci Stallings Christian romance. I see so many of my own weaknesses addressed and given Gospel solutions. Not perfection but helping me refocus on Jesus

Last Day of March

Tomorrow is April's Fools Day: 

Believe nothing and trust no one. 

Just like any other day.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Blessed A/C on hot days

~ Favorite authors

~ Rereading books is like visiting old friends

~ The times it's cool enough to leave the door open.

~ God's grace 

Brain Dump

"News" outlets, also known as propaganda machines, release articles including pictures from movies or unrelated documentaries but refuse to reveal where the pictures originated. People gasp in dismay at what is happening. Except it isn't happening, not in relation to the article. For those who have forgotten: This is misleading, or a simpler term is lying. People need to learn discernment and develop a willingness to call such deception what it is: Lying, not news. 

Brain Dump

In the past, a eunuch is what happened to those who were conquered and enslaved. It hasn't changed.

TBR 2025

21.  Heart of Clay (The Women of Tenacity Book 1) by Shanna Hatfield western romance. A sweet story that brought laughter and tears. This is the first of her books I've read and have added others to my wish list.

22. A Marriage of Anything But Convenience (The Billionaires Club Book 1) by Victorine E. Lieske comedy romance. Humorous and touching.

23. Celtic Cross by Tammy Doherty inspirational western romance. 

24. A Case of Extreme Mistaken Identity (The Billionaires Club Book 2) by Victorine E. Lieske comedy romance. Sad and funny. Liked it well enough to buy the next book in the series. 

25. Saving Cade by Victorine E. Lieske suspense romance, audiobook on YouTube. Liz Krane narrated. 

St. Patrick's Day

Celebrate with a story. 

Tough Luck 

The fourth novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and maybe a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Holiday's playboy, Brent Kelly, returns home a changed man, if only everyone would believe him. The First Annual Tough Luck Run offers him the opportunity to prove he turned over a new leaf.

Cindy Garvey has worked hard her whole life, and now she is preparing to move from employee to business owner with her best friend. The last thing she needs is one more surprise in her life.

God provides the way to Happily Ever After, no matter how far astray His children wander...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KYXDFQ4/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d9_i4 

 

If you prefer paperback, Holiday, USA Anthology 2014

All four novellas published in 2014 are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

http://www.amazon.com/Holiday-USA-Anthology-2014-1/dp/150773459X/ref=sr_1_6 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Blessed rain

~ Scripture study with friends

~ Snug home

~ Delicious food

~ God's grace 

St. Patrick's Day is Monday

 

St. Patrick's Prayer

St. Patrick’s Prayer:

May the strength of God pilot us.

May the power of God preserve us.

May the wisdom of God instruct us.

May the hand of God protect us.

May the way of God direct us.

May the shield of God protect us. 

May the host of God guard us

Against the snares of the evil one,

Against temptations of the world.

May Christ be with us!

May Christ be before us!

May Christ be in us,

Christ be over all!

May Thy Salvation, Lord,

Always be ours,

This day, O Lord, and evermore. Amen. 

REAL 2025 Mar 10

While more rain kept me inside, I'm practicing parking far from the entrance to establishments I visit to give me a little more of a walk. Sleeping is a toss up. I'm eating healthier and losing a little weight every week. Progress there. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Gorgeous days with the door open

~ Chilly days with an electric fireplace

~ Inspiring books by favorite authors

~ Trying new recipes

~ God's grace 

Brain Dump

Dear Hollywood, how far you have fallen. You only repeat, recycle, revamp. I don't remember the last time you actually put out anything new. How do you expect to create anything if you shun the One true source? Christian filmmakers, on the other hand, are coming forward in amazing ways. Reminder: God is the source of all creation. The father of lies is a poor facsimile, and it shows.

TBR 2025

16.  I Know What I Love You Means (The Love series Book 1) by Staci Stallings Christian romance. Rereading in preparation for the newest series, Perspective. Not a hardship. 

17. Moving Mountains (The Love series Book 2) by Staci Stallings Christian romance. This series is actually one story broken into two books. The first is more the hero's journey and the second the heroine's journey. Once again, digging into my own past and learning better ways of coping and overcoming. 

18. Chasing Hearts (The Perspective series Book 1) by Staci Stallings Christian romance. I love Staci's stories. I always dig deeper into my faith, examining my perceptions and reflecting on what I want and how to become the better person I want to be, who God created me to be. I also don't always read a new release right away; I wait. A feeling will come over me that it's time to read one of her stories, and without fail I am reading about what I'm going through. Her perspective helps me step back and see my struggle more clearly. She also offers paths to negotiate the stumbling blocks. A precious blessing.

19. Picking Wildflowers (The Love series Book 2) by Staci Stallings Christian romance. My heart... Staci admits at the beginning of the book that this is a rough draft as she was going in for surgery. Before reading the book, In her fan group on SM, she admitted she made it through heart surgery but lost her left hand. I cannot imagine. I pray she is able to return to writing her unique stories because they always expand my soul and bring me closer to God. What a precious gift.

20. Lord of Her Heart by Sherrinda Ketchersid historical romance. Inspirational medieval tale.

REAL 2025 Mar 3

Need to walk more. Nightmares continue, like running a marathon to start the day. Sometimes I remember physical therapy, working on it. Eating healthier, less junk, less processed, nowhere near perfect, but improving. Hard to drink water when it isn't hot. Never give up. Never give in.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Beautiful weather

~ Gospel study with friends

~ Visiting with family

~ Good books

~ God's grace 

Leap Day

Alas, none this year, but celebrate with a story anyway.

Leap of Faith Day 

The ninth novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Her life a mess, EMT Belle Carlisle wants a fresh start. She's lived in Holiday a few years and likes it well enough. She's happy, mostly. 'Be Bold' is her personal aphorism, but it was never intended to include asking a man on a date.

Born and raised in Holiday, Vince Timmons is certain the prettiest EMT on the planet could never be interested in a younger man. Besides, his life is a mess. Not to mention the woman he pursued for over a year humiliated him in public. The last thing he needs is to fall for another woman who doesn't want him.

Man looks on the outward appearance and judges accordingly. God looks on the heart...

http://www.amazon.com/Leap-Faith-Day-Holiday-Book-ebook/dp/B01EX4Y2IO

If you prefer paperback, Holiday, USA Anthology 2016-17

All four novellas, 9-12, are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

http://a.co/5ETTtmt 

  

Leap of Faith Day quote

Thanks to Donna Keevers Driver for creating this.

Monday

You are a child of God. He created you. You are a puzzle piece in this crazy world, and without you, the picture is incomplete. We think we see so clearly, failing to acknowledge that we are looking at things from ground level while God has a bird's eye view. He sees what we do not. He knows what we do not. I confess I have no trouble trusting God and knowing He loves me. The one I struggle with is me. Am I listening? Am I following Jesus? The problem is me not Him. Me giving up is not the answer; it's one more way of me thinking I know better. Surrendering to God isn't weak; it demands great courage to stop reasoning things out and seek for God's will over my own. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Gospel study with friends

~ Breaking bread with friends

~ Delicious food

~ Books that make me think

~ God's grace 

Brain Dump

Weird things I've read about along the way: Soy lecithin keeps baked goods from sticking. It's also a filler. It was originally waste from processing soy and fed to cattle and pigs to fatten them up. Something to think about.

TBR 2025

11.  Just the Way You Are (A Pleasant Gap romance Book 1) by Pepper Basham romance. 

12. Making a Texas Cowboy (Home at Last Texas Book 1) by Justine Davis contemporary romance. Re-read in preparation for the newest book in the series. Still enjoy it.

13. Destined for the Cowboy (Home at Last Texas Book 2) by Justine Davis contemporary romance. How fun! They took a trip to Houston and I recognized several of the places they passed, and I laughed about driving through Houston as it brought back memories of my own adventures. The story, particularly the hero, also spoke to my abused past.

14. Disconnect (Saint Squad book 13 officially) by Traci Hunter Abramson Suspense romance. Rereading in preparation for the release of the 14th and final book in the series. A cliffhanger. 

15. Reconnect (Saint Squad book 14 officially) by Traci Hunter Abramson Suspense romance. A satisfying finish to the series, with the assurance that beloved friends will appear in other stories. Doesn't get much better than that.

REAL 2025 Feb 17

Warmer weather helps me be more active. Strange but true. And it's cold again. The guy at Discount Tire who checked the air pressure in my tires commented: "Bipolar Arizona." Yep, pretty much January to the end of March. Improving on doing my PT. Eating healthier. Struggling with nightmares. I don't know why. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Blessed rain

~ Fireplace

~ Friends popping in

~ Good books

~ God's grace 

Happy Valentine's Day

Celebrate with a story.

Valentine Delivery

The third novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and maybe a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Lance Nelson delivers flowers every Valentine's Day. This year, he decides to show the woman he's secretly loved all his life exactly how he feels, creating a unique bouquet especially for her.

This Valentine's Day, Sharon Kelly decides to stop waiting for someone to send her what she wants and orders a bouquet of flowers for herself. She might as well arrange for her secret crush to deliver them.

God works in mysterious ways to provide the way to Happily Ever After, even when His children stand in their own way...

http://www.amazon.com/Valentine-Delivery-Holiday-Laurel-Hawkes-ebook/dp/B00IGVA8SY/ref=sr_1_3 

If you prefer paperback, Holiday, USA Anthology 2014

All four novellas published in 2014 are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

http://www.amazon.com/Holiday-USA-Anthology-2014-1/dp/150773459X/ref=sr_1_6 

 

Ready for Valentine's Day?

Thanks Donna Keevers Driver for creating this.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Pretty enough to leave the door open

~ New books by favorite authors

~ Visiting with dear friends

~ Gospel study

~ God's grace 

Brain Dump

Chuckie, Chuckie, Chuckie, you don't get to say anything about the possible loss of democracy after your party completely obliterated democracy by appointing your candidate. And in case you didn't notice, the people serving now were announced before the election, so it isn't like the voting public didn't know what they were getting going in. Stop gaslighting. Button it. 

Quote

“Abandoning God throws everything out of whack.” ~ Me

REAL 2025 Feb 3

Rain discouraged walking, too cold. Yep, I'm a desert rat. The biggest change has been my eating habits. I'm doing better. Upping my protein has decreased my other snacking, including sugary treats. Didn't expect that result. Losing weight, slowly but surely. Sleep is still weird, good some nights, awful others. Nightmares this past week. Haven't had one of those waking up heart pounding ones in a while. Don't miss them.  

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Blessed rain

~ Reliable electricity 

~ Cozy fireplace

~ New books

~ God's grace 

TBR 2025

6.  A Best Friend's Guide to Love by Danyelle Ferguson contemporary romance. 

7. Moonlight Kiss (Spring Collection: Timeless Romance Anthology) by Josi S. Kilpack romance. Enjoyed this enough I enjoyed reading it again and wouldn't mind reading it a third and fourth time. 

8. Dancing at the Flea Market (Spring Collection: Timeless Romance Anthology) by Heather Justesen contemporary romance. 

9. The Best Laid Plans (Spring Collection: Timeless Romance Anthology) by Sarah M. Eden contemporary romance. 

10. Picture Perfect (Spring Collection: Timeless Romance Anthology) by Heather B. Moore contemporary romance. Another one I enjoyed reading again and wouldn't mind re-reading from time to time. 

 

Cowboys 4 Christ posted good advice.

Six Important Guidelines in Life:

1. When you are Alone, Mind your Thoughts.

2. When you are with Friends, Mind your Tongue.

3. When you are Angry, Mind your Temper.

4. When you are with a Group, Mind your Behavior.

5. When you are in Trouble, Mind your Behavior.

6. When God starts blessing you, Mind your Ego.

Chocolate Cake Day

Celebrate with a story.

Chocolate Cake for Two

The second novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and maybe a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Freed, after being wrongly imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit, Henry Weaver needs a fresh start. The "Help Wanted" sign in the cupcake shop window couldn't possibly be the answer to his prayer.

Holiday Sweets, a specialty cupcake shop, is Annie Sweet's heritage. Everything would be perfect if only she could find competent help. An ultimatum demands Annie make a painful decision.

Choosing God is rarely the easy way, and sometimes the way to Happily Ever After appears impossible...

http://www.amazon.com/Chocolate-Cake-Two-Holiday-USA-ebook/dp/B00HYLK0P8/ref=sr_1_1

 

If you prefer paperback books, Holiday, USA Anthology 2014

All four novellas published in 2014 are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

http://www.amazon.com/Holiday-USA-Anthology-2014-1/dp/150773459X/ref=sr_1_6

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Midweek Gospel study

~ Church women's group evening of learning to be still

~ Cherry cobbler

~ Functioning heaters

~ God's grace 

Chocolate Cake Day is Monday.

Thanks to Donna Keevers Driver for creating this.

Moving through January

Here's a reminder from SM to keep your sense of humor. 

Exercise?!

I thought you said, "Extra Fries!"

REAL 2025 Jan 20

While I didn't do much walking, too cold and knee is still healing, I did some baking which meant I was on my feet for several hours. Being home gave me the option of resting when I needed to elevate my knee. I'm eating much better. Sleeping is still unpredictable. I think I'm making progress, over all. 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Made and shared Pumpkin Snickerdoodle by the Pioneer Woman

~ Gospel Study with friends

~ Books by favorite authors

~ Visit with friends

~ God's grace 

Brain Dump

AI is becoming more and more prevalent. Reminder: AI treats fiction and non-fiction as equal. Another way of saying that? Lies and the truth are of equal value. God gave men a conscience, which is the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the ability to distinguish between good and evil. You were blessed with Free Will to choose between good and evil. Light will grow within you as you choose right. You can also kill the Spirit of Christ within you by choosing evil and darkness. Man has foolishly not instilled morals within AI, believing that truth is fluid. It is not. God have mercy. 

TBR 2025

1. Change of Fortune by Traci Hunter Abramson romance. A fascinating exploration of what if you won the lottery. Change my perspective on my finances, seeing money as a tool instead of a cudgel. 

2. Refuse to Choose by Barbara Sher nonfiction. A fascinating read. I have some "Scanner" qualities, particularly the Jack of all Trades variety, but I don't think I'm really a scanner. I suspect my struggle is more with depression and ADHD. 

3. And the Greatest of These is Love by Staci Stallings Christian romance. A heartwarming story of repentance and redemption.

4. More Than This by Staci Stallings Christian romance. I've read this before and enjoyed reading it again. Staci tackles tough topics, and this story was close to my heart. 

5. Dance with Me by Staci Stallings Christian romance. Another great story that makes me look inward and see what I could improve to come closer to Christ. 

REAL 2025 Jan 13

Still not walking as much. Sleep is still irregular. Eating has improved significantly.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Delicious Food

~ Favorite Books

~ Electric Fireplace

~ Reliable car

~ God's grace 

Brain Dump

Let me see if I heard this correctly: Bill Gates wants nuclear power for his projects, but we aren't allowed to have nuclear power, which is cheaper and cleaner than any other energy source. Who died and made Gates god? 

Tolkien's birthday was 3 Jan

Still round the corner there may wait a new road or a secret gate. 

~ J.R.R. Tolkien 

REAL 2025 Jan 6

Taking longer walks more often. Oops, twisted my knee so had to take it easy for a few days; blessedly, easy walks and leg lifts helped to quickly restore normal movement but took longer for the pain to go away. In fact, still experiencing some pain so not back to normal walking yet. Eating healthy was a little tougher with the holidays, but I did better this year than ever before. Always improving. Sleep is erratic.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Visiting with Friends

~ Delicious food

~ Lovely weather

~ The start of a new year!

~ God's grace 

Brain Dump

I'm baffled as to why anyone with a shred of decency would support, in any way, a company like Abercrombie that supported and promoted abusing children. By the world's standard, it may have been subtle to the untrained eye, but once a person knows, how do you justify rewarding them by buying their product? Reward only encourages continued abuse. Pretending like it's stopped because the head violator has been arrested is naive at best and willful ignorance at worst. But then, plenty of people still support what they love about Disney and ignore the evil Disney openly supports. 

The new year is here.

Celebrate with a story: Happy New Year?

The first book in the series.

Welcome to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and maybe a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Officer Tim Black moved to Holiday for a change of scene. He never anticipated wanting to change his single status at the same time, but the lady refuses to even date him.

Sandy Foster moved to Holiday to escape her dysfunctional family, changing everything about her life. Finding someone who wanted to share her life holds a never-ending spot on her uninspiring list of New Year's resolutions.

The tiniest misunderstanding and the willingness to set pride aside might make the difference between spending the New Year alone and a Happily Ever After... 

http://www.amazon.com/Happy-New-Year-Holiday-USA-ebook/dp/B00HCQKGF4/ref=sr_1_1

If you prefer paperback, Holiday, USA Anthology 2014

All four novellas published in 2014 are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

http://www.amazon.com/Holiday-USA-Anthology-2014-1/dp/150773459X/