Musical Thursday

New Year's Eve

The Piano Guys' “Für Elise Jam” and a bit of silliness.

https://youtu.be/8trFmTnDR74 

 

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Ready for the New Year?

Celebrate with a story!

Happy New Year?

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/ref=sr_1_6

 

Monday Quote

 

Sunday Scripture

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Saturday Links

Jill, over at Mustard Seed Blog, shared "Wait for the Blackberries":
https://mustardseedblogs.com/2020/09/13/wait-for-the-blackberries/

Into the Light Adventures shares a bit about Sandhill Cranes:
https://intothelightadventures.com/the-sandhill-cranes/

God bless.

Merry Christmas

“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 mighty God, The everlasting Father, 

The Prince of Peace.” 

Isaiah 9:6

Musical Thursday

Happy Christmas Eve

MercyMe's Say I Won't

https://youtu.be/UhTHgaCjTJs

https://youtu.be/ksqH6OHrkYs 

 

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Tuesday Tidbit

Dollop, as in "a lump or glob," shows up in 1812, but it's referring to grass. To "serve out in large lumps," doesn't become a verb until about 1825. Too late for "A Promise of Possibilities."

 

Monday Quote

 

Sunday Scripture

Luke 2:6-11

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born 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.

 

Saturday Links

Global Sojourns Photography possesses the gift of painting pictures with photos and prose:
https://dalocollis.com/2020/09/01/escape-from-tomorrow-machu-picchu/

I love aspens, and Into the Light Adventures shares a bit about them:
https://intothelightadventures.com/oh-how-the-forest-speaks/

God bless.

Preparing for Christmas

 ...with a story.

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 

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  

 

Musical Thursday

Tim Janis' "The Holy and the Ivy" 2-hour compilation
https://youtu.be/In4-Yu_vga4

Wordless Wednesday

 

Tuesday Tidbit

Oh, dear. I discovered "gaze" used three times in one short paragraph. Needed to change that.

 

Monday Quote

 

Sunday Scripture

Luke 1:30-31, 34-38

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS... Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 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.

 

Saturday Links

Photography blog Into the Light Adventures:
https://intothelightadventures.com/is-that-a-shoe-photobomb/

Bridget A. Thomas, over at Christians Read, shares "Just Keep Going":
https://christiansread.wordpress.com/2020/09/03/just-keep-going-by-bridget-a-thomas/

God bless.

Preparing for Christmas...

 ...with a story

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

If you prefer paperback Holiday, USA Anthology 2015

All four novellas published in 2015 are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-USA-Anthology-2015-2/dp/153018617X/ref=sr_1_22

Musical Thursday

Tim Janis' "Let It Snow" 2-hour compilation
https://youtu.be/Gx-d2Dx0u-M

Wordless Wednesday

 

Tuesday Tidbit

Most of the places in my stories exist. Many are a composite of several places. I have a good imagination but not that good. As I describe scenery, I search my memories. I visited England, 35 years ago, and it's a joy to remember places I saw and people I met. The stories are a way to preserve my past.

 

Monday Quote

 

Sunday Scripture

Ruth 4:11-12

And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Beth-lehem: And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the Lord shall give thee of this young woman.

Saturday Links

Vicki Hinze, over at Christians Read, shared "A Gift Before Departing":
https://christiansread.wordpress.com/2020/08/17/a-gift-before-departing-by-vicki-hinze-2/

Learned about Shelf Clouds from Into the Light Adventures:
https://intothelightadventures.com/a-shelf-cloud-rolling-in/

God bless.

Favorite Book Friday

A Heart Restored (Peacock Hill series book 1) by Elizabeth Maddrey contemporary Christian romance. The beginning of a series is always an invitation to a new adventure. I'm looking forward to this one. I already know I want to live at Peacock Hill.

A Heart Reclaimed (Peacock Hill series book 2) by Elizabeth Maddrey contemporary Christian romance. A great second chance story.

A Heart Realigned (Peacock Hill series book 3) by Elizabeth Maddrey contemporary Christian romance. So sweet! The heroine had an interesting past. The hero definitely needed someone special. Absolutely loved it and looking forward to the next book.

A Heart Redirected (Peacock Hill series book 4) by Elizabeth Maddrey contemporary Christian romance. I want to stay in the tower at Peacock Hill. The heroine is asking questions I ask myself.

A Heart Rearranged (Peacock Hill series book 5) by Elizabeth Maddrey contemporary Christian romance. A florist and a baker, jobs I've wanted at different times in my life.

A Heart Reconsidered (Peacock Hill series book 6) by Elizabeth Maddrey contemporary Christian romance. I'm sorry the series is over. I loved it. I especially love when a book makes me examine my own life and endeavor to make it better.

 

Musical Thursday

Ambient Worlds' "Lord of the Rings/The Shire"

https://youtu.be/uBmbI8dzc-M

Wordless Wednesday

 

Tuesday Tidbit

Part of my responsibility is researching not only words but phrases and idioms. If it wasn't used in the early 1800s, I endeavor to find something else that was or cut it completely.

Monday Quote

A woman's heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him just to find her. 

~ Max Lucado

 

Sunday Scripture

Ruth 4:9-10

And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi. Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.

Saturday Links

Foxtails and Foxes by Nancy J. Farrier, over at Christians Read:
https://christiansread.wordpress.com/2020/08/24/foxtails-and-foxes-by-nancy-j-farrier/

Lasting Habits by Bridget A. Thomas:
https://bridgetathomas.com/2020/09/01/lasting-habits/

God bless.

My Annual Start to the Christmas Season

...with some of my favorite songs that I listen to all year long...

The first one is simply totally fun.

All I want for Christmas by The Piano Guys

https://youtu.be/c16dH9QezyE 

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 

Silent Night by David Osmond 
https://youtu.be/PkVATabHBqc 

The Gift by Aselin Debison
https://youtu.be/YeQt6S2O0Qk 

Gentri's O Holy Night
https://youtu.be/g4fvMgNfN0I

A Soldier's Silent Night
https://youtu.be/e29nKH4DCFQ 
A Christmas dedication to our men and women in uniform. A Soldier's Silent Night was originally titled 'Merry Christmas My Friend' and written by Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt in 1987.

 

Josh Groban's Noel (Full Deluxe Christmas Album) with a virtual yule log
https://youtu.be/--OfOU5iWxM

Happy Thanksgiving

"The Doxology" Anthem Lights featuring Selah

https://youtu.be/tQUTvMtUhw4

Wordless Wednesday

 

Ready for Thanksgiving?

Celebrate with a story...

Giving Thanks

The eleventh novella in the series is here...

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

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 

 

Monday Quote

 

Sunday Scripture

Ruth 4:6-8 last

And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it. Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel. Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.

Saturday Links

Gail Johnson shared a bit of inspiration:
https://gailjohnsonauthor.com/2020/08/04/his-eye-is-on-the-sparrow/

Over at Inspy Romance, Tara Grace Ericson shared an informative post on e-book pricing:
https://www.inspyromance.com/e-book-pricing-how-much-is-a-story-worth/

God bless.

Favorite Book Friday

Deep Cover (Listed as stand alone but it's book 1 of 2) by Traci Hunter Abramson contemporary Christian suspense romance. Heart stopping suspense. I love her characters and her stories.

Mistaken Reality (Listed as stand alone but it's book 2 of 2) by Traci Hunter Abramson contemporary Christian suspense romance. Backstory found in the Undercurrent, Saint Squad, and Guardian series. Not an easy subject. Loved the story and the characters.

 

Musical Thursday

Calmed by Nature doesn't play music. Instead, it's ambient sounds, like rain, fire, rivers, etc. Most of these are 8 hours long. Sometimes, I need help sleeping, something to focus on beside the nattering in my head. This one is "Cozy Cabin Ambience - Rain and Fireplace Sounds at Night"

https://youtu.be/1RcVIuZ8Wdk

Wordless Wednesday

 

Tuesday Tidbit

 Am I frustrated by the slowness of my editing progress? Yes, yes, I am. And then I find a missing period.

Good news: I'm half way through this round of edits. Thanks, God!

Monday Quote

“Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about his religion. Respect others in their views and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and of service to your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, or even a stranger, if in a lonely place. Show respect to all people, but grovel to none. When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When your time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home.”
~ Tecumseh
(1768-1813) Shawnee Chief