Monday, December 31, 2018

Happy New Year

 King George VI quoted from the poem "God Knows" by Minnie Louise Haskins, in his 1939 Christmas broadcast. The first few lines are the most famous portion. However, I found the poem as a whole inspiring and apropos for the New Year. Written in 1908, it was privately published in 1912. I looked for copyright information specific to this poem and couldn't find anything. I'd rather error on the side of the author. Since the first portion has been widely used, it's all I'm sharing here. I'd encourage looking up the poem as a whole. It's beautiful.

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”


http://goldenhandsofgrace.blogspot.com/2012/11/god-knows-wonderful-poem-by-minnie.html


Sunday, December 30, 2018

Sunday Scripture

Genesis 1:29-31

And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be fore meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were  the sixth day.

Saturday, December 29, 2018

Saturday Links

From We Are One, a story about the Trouble Tree.
https://weareone-ruth.blogspot.com/2018/11/trouble-tree.html

Posted at The Writer's Refuge, for those who love "Chicken Soup for the Soul":
https://thewritersrefuge.wordpress.com/2018/11/09/write-to-inspire-at-chicken-soup-for-the-soul/

When I was feeling sorry for myself, regarding my meager income, God sent a reminder:
https://john-eli.com/2018/11/12/earning/

God bless.

Friday, December 28, 2018

Favorite Book Friday

Her Christmas Wish by Kathryn Springer Christian romance. Definitely a favorite and staying on my annual Christmas Read list.

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Musical Thursday

Mannheim Steamroller is my first thought when I think of Christmas Music. I own all their CDs.

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Merry Christmas

Luke 2:1, 3-14

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree fro Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Matthew 2:1

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.

Wise men seek Him still.

Monday, December 24, 2018

Christmas Eve

Luke 1:30 and 37-38

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

For with God, nothing shall be impossible.

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Isaiah 9: 6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Might God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Sunday Scripture

Genesis 1:26-28

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female crated he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Saturday Links

I'll see pennies differently, now. Ruth, over at We Are One, shared a treasure she found:
http://weareone-ruth.blogspot.com/2018/11/pennies-new-version.html

A timely post from Jim Denney, over at Christians Read:
https://laurelhawkes.blogspot.com/2018/12/saturday-links_15.html

Julie Arduini, over at Christians Read, shared a lovely post for the Season:
https://christiansread.wordpress.com/2018/12/05/dog-bones-and-baby-jesus-by-julie-arduini/

God bless.

Friday, December 21, 2018

Christmas Lost

Lose yourself in a Christmas romance...

Christmas Lost

The twelfth 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.

Townie Karen Little is the resident quintessential spinster. She's lived in the same house her whole life, more than half a century. She knows she's stuck, but her plans for the future blow up in her face, on a regular basis. Why risk being wrong again?

After six years, Holiday Diner's owner, Alexander Hamilton, is still a newbie and Holiday's most eligible silver fox bachelor. Being the catch of the day for the single women of Holiday makes his vow to never marry again a challenge. Why test the three strikes you're out rule?

Sometimes, so much time passes, it feels like God has forgotten, but He is moving all the pieces into place for the right moment...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BHC1CL9/ref=sr_1_1 
...

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Musical Thursday

For those missing someone at Christmas, from The Piano Guys:

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Tuesday Tidbit

Kitchen sink doesn't appear until 1824. "Everything but (or and) the kitchen sink" shows up in 1944.

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Sunday Scripture

Genesis 1:25

And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Saturday Links

Desiring Light shared an inspiring piece, "A Particle of Dust!"
https://desiringlight.com/2018/11/02/a-particle-of-dust/

Prepping for the coming year with Goal Setting, over at Closed Doors?
https://closeddoorsdotblog.wordpress.com/2018/11/06/setting-goals-and-crushing-them/

Hallee Bridgeman, one of my favorite Christian romance authors, shared a Christmas reminder over on Jennifer Slattery's blog:
https://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/2018/12/13/when-our-soul-feels-its-worth/

God bless.

Friday, December 14, 2018

Christmas Present

Want to escape into a Christmas romance?

Christmas Present 

The eighth 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.

Terra Connor is looking forward to her first two-week vacation, even if it means working part of the time to ease her daughter's mind. Her daughter's wedding on Christmas Eve is her only priority, and she definitely doesn't have time for romance.

Carson McDonald is in Holiday for his younger brother's wedding. The friendly town is as good a place as any to rest and recover from the upheaval of losing his job due to an accident. He has enough on his plate for the foreseeable future.

God's ways are not man's ways...

http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Present-Holiday-USA-Book-ebook/dp/B01ASDPDJQ/ref=sr_1_1

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Musical Thursday

A Million Dreams - The Greatest Showman by The Piano Guys

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Sunday Scripture

Genesis 1:24

And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creatures after his kind, cattle, and creeping things, and beast of the earth after his kind, at it was so.

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Friday, December 7, 2018

Favorite Book Friday

Rescued by His Christmas Angel by Cara Colter contemporary romance. Charming, heartwarming, and staying on my Christmas reading list.

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Tuesday Tidbit

Organizer was not used until 1849. However, I can use planner, from 1716.

Monday, December 3, 2018

Monday Quote

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. ~ Calvin Coolidge

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/calvincool121116.html
Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/calvincool121116.html
Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/calvincool121116.html
Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/calvincool121116.html

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Sunday Scripture

Genesis 1:20-23

And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, and after their kind, and every winded fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let the fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Saturday Links

Jim Denney's piece on "Why I Read and Why I Write" over on Christians Read:
https://christiansread.wordpress.com/2018/10/21/why-i-read-and-why-i-write/

Mustard Seed Blog's Run to Him:
https://mustardseedblogs.com/2018/10/29/run-to-him/

God bless.

Friday, November 30, 2018

Favorite Book Friday

Guess Who's Coming for Christmas by Cara Colter is a contemporary romance. I love this story. It holds a place on my annual Christmas reading list. Each year, I look to add or discard stories. Keeping this one on the list.

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Musical Thursday

My music list to start the Christmas season:

Stille Nacht (Silent Night) by Manheim Steamroller on their Christmas album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anv4FIQ4tbo

Believe Again: O Come All Ye Faithful by David Osmond

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF__6qGtwSc

Angels We Have Heard On High by The Piano Guys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrLoWt2tfqg

Baby, What You Goin' to Be by Trinity HS Alumni Choir
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsoB7mmdmFg

Mary, did you know? by Donny Osmond
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtLCCrEVqPA


Believe by Josh Grobin on the Polar Express album.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ19mW-TMRk

Merry Christmas Darling by the Carpenters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR1ujXx2p-I

The Gift by Aselin Debison
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgvpI0xp9ms

Josh Groban's O Holy Night
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zh-yR0pbmU

A Soldier's Silent Night
 

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Tuesday Tidbit

Disillusion and disillusionment didn't show up until 1855.

Monday, November 26, 2018

Monday Quote

Sovereignty means God never goes:
Oops, I missed that one.
~ Tony Evans

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Sunday Scripture

Genesis 1:16-19

And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Saturday Links

A Donna Hatch Regency truth telling:
http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/2018/09/lies-jane-austen-never-told-me.html

I'm working on learning to live a more Poised Life. I was especially caught by the desire to prayer sincerely for those who don't like me. Posted on "Desiring Light":
https://desiringlight.com/2018/10/19/the-true-meaning-of-a-poised-life/

Good Times Stories shared "A Pleasant Reminder of the Reason for Thanksgiving":
https://mygoodtimestories.com/2018/11/22/a-pleasant-reminder-of-the-reason-for-thanksgiving/

God bless.

Friday, November 23, 2018

Favorite Book Friday

The Dogstar (Regency Christmas Courtship Anthology) by Edith Layton Regency Christmas romance. Fanciful. All right, what I love about this story is the dog. 

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Giving Thanks

Escape the insanity with a romance novella for the holiday:

The eleventh novella...

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

Eight years ago, Michelle Bronson ran away. Returning Thanksgiving Eve will allow her to settle before anyone knows she's home. Accepting Jesus made her new, but the past won't stay buried. She's strong enough to face it. She must, if she wants to embrace life. Maybe assistant baker at Holiday Sweets is the open door she's seeking.

Theodore Williams III lived his life as Mr. Straight as an Arrow. He remembers Michelle, along with his harsh judgment of her, but she's not what he expected. The choice is his to hold to what he knew or to embrace the new. Perhaps God is opening a door to the future.

Placing God first opens doors never imagined...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071W5C2T6/ref=sr_1_1

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Tuesday Tidbit

While we're in the "anys", anymore wasn't used until 1865.

Sunday, November 18, 2018

Sunday Scripture

Genesis 1:14-15

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.

Saturday, November 17, 2018

Saturday Links

I want to visit; thanks Caroline Warfield for giving me a peek:
https://historyimagined.wordpress.com/2018/09/21/what-is-real/

Another place I want to visit, thanks to Rachel Dodge's peek:
https://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/2018/09/21/visiting-stoneleigh-abbey-by-rachel-dodge/

God bless.

Friday, November 16, 2018

Favorite Book Friday

Wooing the Wolf (Regency Christmas Courtship Anthology) by Barbara Metzger Regency Christmas romance. A humorous read.

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Tuesday Tidbit

Anyone as one word did not appear until 1844. I'd hoped to have the first book rewritten by now. I'm half way through and have added at least 13,000 new words, so far.

Monday, November 12, 2018

Monday Quote

Service turns the lights on in the darkness.
~ Tim Ballard