Laurel Hawkes
Christian stories of broken souls finding God and romance Jesus never promised a life of sweetness and nice; He promises hope. The weakest flame is stronger than the dark.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Monday, May 25, 2026
Remembering Memorial Day
Among those who serve their country in the military, all gave some. On this day, we remember those who gave all. We pray for their families and loved ones who have an empty place at the table. As long as there are those who choose power above life, evil over goodness, we need those who value freedom above power, goodness over evil. God bless those, now and forever, willing to fight and die for life and liberty. I'm grateful for those who gave their today for our tomorrows.
Mid-Life Mama shared one of my favorite blog tributes:
https://family5power.com/2025/05/26/memorial-day/
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Sunday Scripture
Matthew 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Saturday Links
Into the Light Adventures shares some adorable animal portraits:
https://intothelightadventures.com/millie/
Seeking Divine Perspective post the delightful "Running to Win":
https://seekingdivineperspective.com/2026/05/03/running-to-win-copy/
God bless.
Friday, May 22, 2026
Favorite Book Friday
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Narnia Chronicles Book 1) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. It's been decades since I last read the books. Still a wonderful story.
Prince Caspian (Narnia Chronicles Book 2) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. I'd forgotten this tale. A joy to revisit Narnia.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Narnia Chronicles Book 3) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. Better than the movie and always makes me cry.
The Silver Chair (Narnia Chronicles Book 4) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. My least favorite of the first four. The children don't have the growth arc the earlier stories portray. I do find myself rather liking Puddleglum.
The Horse and His Boy (Narnia Chronicles Book 5) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. Occurs during "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." I will be moving it in my own collection.
The Magician's Nephew (Narnia Chronicles Book 6) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. While this comes in at number six in the series, it's actually the story of the beginning. I'm re-arranging my books for the next time I read them.
The Last Battle (Narnia Chronicles Book 7) by C. S. Lewis fantasy. It's never easy to say goodbye at the end of the series. Until my next read through.
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Thankful Thursday
Watching a family of quails, two adults and two littles that aren't little anymore, traverse the neighbor's roof and flying to another neighbor's roof.
Temperatures out of the 100s and back in the 90s
Air conditioning/fans/ice
Serving those who can do nothing for you
Serving with others
Day of rest in the Lord
An unexpected cool day. Thanks God.
Visiting friends and family
God's grace
The Piano Guys - Someone Like You
https://youtu.be/MxTHusPs2zo?si=Amt8nuQpe0LbaaSx
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Monday, May 18, 2026
Monday Quote
I heard this story/parable years and years ago. I looked for an original but found nothing. I think it more and more relevant every day.
A king went to visit a faraway country. On the journey, he met Death along the way.
Death told him, "I'm on my way to your kingdom with a plague."
The king accepted the proclamation and asked, "How many will you take?"
"Five hundred."
"So be it." The king sorrowed as he went on his way but knew he could change nothing. However, when he returned to his kingdom 5,000 were dead. He confronted Death and demanded, "You said you would only take 500."
"I did as I said," replied Death. "Fear took the rest."
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Sunday Scripture
Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Saturday Links
Nuggets of Gold shares short stories, quotes, and fun facts:
https://joyroses13.wordpress.com/2026/04/14/tuesdays-thoughts-541/
God bless.
Friday, May 15, 2026
Favorite Book Friday
Take a Chance (Prosperity Ranch series Book 5) by Heather B. Moore romance. Fun. Likable hero and heroine. Interesting concept. Keeper.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Thankful Thursday
Support in difficult moments
Opportunities to serve
Air conditioning, fans, and ice
Kindness
Bird song
God's grace
The Piano Guys - Thank God I Do/Be Still My Soul
https://youtu.be/lXwuZhjtq3U?si=6NDq5G8Wgw0Ghc5d
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Monday, May 11, 2026
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Saturday Links
April 4th, Davids Daily Dose shared Easter wisdom:
https://davidsdailydose.org/2026/04/04/the-unspoken-promise-navigating-the-messy-middle/
Tales from a Mid-Lifer shared lovely "Blooms Along the Path":
https://family5power.com/2026/04/08/blooms-along-the-path/
God bless.
Friday, May 8, 2026
Favorite Book Friday
Son of a Wanted Man by Louis L'Amour western. Tyrel Sackett made an appearance in the story, along with Borden Chantry. Now I want to read the story in which they first met. I also enjoyed the main character's story, Mike Bastian, seeing his journey to becoming his own man.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Thankful Thursday
Midweek Gospel Study
Farewell potluck until fall restart of MGS
Friday morning, woke to the smell of rain
Air Conditioning and Fans
Still cools off at night
The wonder of help others who can do nothing for you.
Church
Bird song
Visit with a dear friend
God's grace
Mac Sinise - Angel's Theme
https://youtu.be/v1k1hwutQK0?si=qZUCiIjks__EXQze
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Monday, May 4, 2026
Monday Quote
Lucy asks Mr. Beaver, "Then he (Aslan) isn't safe?"
Mr. Beaver replies, "Safe? ... Who said anything about safe?
'Course he isn't safe. But he's good...."
~ C. S. Lewis
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe


















