Friday, December 31, 2021

Ready for a 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


 

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Tuesday Tidbit

Other priorities have taken precedence, but I have completed 2 chapters of 37.



Sunday, December 26, 2021

Sunday Scripture

Luke 2:25-40

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.



Friday, December 24, 2021

Christmas Eve

Luke 2:1-19

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 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:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 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.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 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.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.



Thursday, December 23, 2021

Musical Thursday

Gentri's Go Tell It On the Mountain (Official Music Video) | (feat. Brad Wheeler)

https://youtu.be/X0-jnOr_PcA



Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Tuesday Tidbit

More words cut, making the story better.



Sunday, December 19, 2021

Sunday Scripture

Luke 1:39-50

39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.


Saturday, December 18, 2021

Saturday Links

I love his flowers, Photos by Jez, and I'm grateful for those who share their fall:

https://jezbraithwaite.blog/2021/11/14/silent-sunday-nov-14/

Some posts are just fun, like this one from Horse Addict:

https://horseaddict.net/2021/11/20/monday-minstrel-advice-for-lady-equestrians-circa-1838/ 

God bless.



Friday, December 17, 2021

Ready for Christmas?

Celebrate with another 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 


 

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Tuesday Tidbit

Still making cuts as I'm able. Slow progress is still progress.



Sunday, December 12, 2021

Sunday Scripture

Luke 1:26-38

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

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

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

35 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.

36 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.

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

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



Saturday, December 11, 2021

Friday, December 10, 2021

Christmas is coming...

...celebrate 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


 

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Tuesday Tidbit

Other things also on my plate, but still slowly cutting words for submission.



Sunday, December 5, 2021

Sunday Scripture

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 mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 



Saturday, December 4, 2021

Saturday Links

I want to try Suzanne Askham's "Wellbeing notes: do these three things every day." 

https://suzanneaskham.com/2021/11/01/wellbeing-notes-do-these-three-things-every-day/

Bridget A. Thomas is studying Luke, this month, a chapter a day: 

https://bridgetathomas.com/2021/12/01/luke-1/

God bless.



Friday, December 3, 2021

Favorite Book Friday

The Warrior's Heart: Becoming a man of compassion and courage by Eric Greitens. Loved the short chapters. A remarkable story and a challenge to serve others.



Thursday, December 2, 2021

Musical Thursday

Cast in Bronze gave a 30+ minute Christmas music concert online in 2020:

https://youtu.be/2cgizlXuYqU


Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Tuesday Tidbit

Still editing for submission to a publisher.


 

Monday, November 29, 2021

Monday Quote

Posted by Waiting For Your Boaz on social media:

The girl who seemed unbreakable broke.

She dropped the fake smile and whispered, "Jesus, I can't do this anymore."

And He replied,

"Daughter, I never wanted you to,

I've been waiting for you to let Me carry you."


 

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Sunday Scripture

Esther 8:7-8 and 15-17 

Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews. Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse.

And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour. And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day...
 


Saturday, November 27, 2021

Friday, November 26, 2021

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.
 

Thursday, November 25, 2021

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Ready for Thanksgiving?

Celebrate with a story.

Giving Thanks 

The eleventh 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. 

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...

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 


 

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Sunday Scripture

Esther 8:1-6 

On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her. And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews. Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king, And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces: For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?



Saturday, November 20, 2021

Saturday Links

The Backyard Horse Blog shared "Older Horses Finding Homes With Older Folks":

https://thebackyardhorseblog.com/2021/10/18/older-horses-finding-homes-with-older-folks/ 

My God, My Music My Life posted "Shadows in the Dark":

https://mygodmymusicmylife.com/2021/10/22/shadows-in-the-dark-6/ 

God bless.



Friday, November 19, 2021

Favorite Book Friday

The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman. It's the first time I've used my Amazon Library. The book was recommended by friends going through similar situations to mine. I'm overwhelmed by all the decisions I have to make right now. And yet, when this all started the message ringing in my heart was "Just take the next step. Don't think about anything else, just take the next step." The book gave logic order to the chaos of how to self-analyze.



Thursday, November 18, 2021

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Tuesday Tidbit

Prepping for submission to a publisher requires cutting 10K words; 1K gone; 9K to go.