Sunday Scripture

Psalms 119:10-12

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.

Saturday Links

See, there's this thing called biology.... shared a wonderful reminder to Count Your Blessings, One by One:

https://insanitybytes2.wordpress.com/2023/12/03/count-your-blessings-one-by-one/ 

Choosing Hope shared "Broken by a Pillow":

https://choosinghope.live/2023/12/13/broken-by-a-pillow/

God bless.

Are you ready for the new year?

Celebrate with the first story in the Holiday, USA, series.

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

 

Musical Thursday

Michael McLean's "The Forgotten Carols" 2008 performance of the play

https://youtu.be/AYKHURQXYbU

Wordless Wednesday

 

Merry Christmas

 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.

 

Christmas Eve

Luke 2:1-16

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.

Saturday Links

Choosing Hope shared "Grieving Well at Christmas":

https://choosinghope.live/2023/12/17/grieving-well-at-christmas/ 

Big Sky Buckeye shared "Warmest Christmas Night":

https://bigskybuckeye.com/2023/12/21/warmest-christmas-night/

God bless.

Christmas Lost

Celebrate with a story.

Christmas Lost

The twelfth 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.

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

Michael McLean's "The Forgotten Carols" original and my favorite of the two:

https://youtu.be/KLRwI4cepuU

Wordless Wednesday

 

Are you ready for Christmas?

 

Sunday Scripture

Luke 1:28-31 

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.

Saturday Links

Song Dog Journal shares her article "The Most Important Things":

https://songdogjournal.com/2023/11/24/the-most-important-things/ 

See, there's this thing called biology shared "The Needs and Wants of God":

https://insanitybytes2.wordpress.com/2023/11/25/the-needs-and-wants-of-god/ 

God bless.

Christmas Present

Celebrate with a story.

Christmas Present

The eighth 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.

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

Michael McLean's "The Forgotten Carols" 20th Anniversary Edition:

https://youtu.be/H28hUWwQEd0

Wordless Wednesday

 

Christmas is coming...

 

Sunday Scripture

Isaiah7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Saturday Links

Seeking Divine Perspective shared "Her Last Question."

https://seekingdivineperspective.com/2023/11/17/her-last-question/ 

Christians Read shared Jesus Had Boundaries by Julie Arduini:

https://christians-read.com/2023/11/24/jesus-had-boundaries-by-julie-arduini/ 

God bless.

Favorite Book Friday

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens audio version provided on YouTube by Clamavi De Profundis. I don't know how long it will remain posted, but this is the link to stave 1 https://youtu.be/gNKQO2-7Qzo?si=2DvuUOWSLdL-llkF stave 2 https://youtu.be/w8JDiRRFMbA?si=Bd9mzI3rpnvVlK9r stave 3 https://youtu.be/6nomR4I0foM?si=tfZvFdrLO_Dd-zIO stave 4 https://youtu.be/3yQNHL8xHNE?si=zJnq-IehB4LK5lHp stave 5 https://youtu.be/7j--pp1tFhI?si=WJ0d_m1kUTKk5zaa

Musical Thursday

Michael McLean's "The Forgotten Carols" 10th Anniversary Edition:

https://youtu.be/Pb-yLbQ4Vuk

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Monday Quote

“Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.”

~ Tagore 

 

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 Links

Song Dog Journal is one I always read and savor. What do you want to be when you grow up? people would ask. I wanted to be a wife and mother. It never happened. However, Laura Lindblom saw in it what I saw. "Just a Wife"

https://songdogjournal.com/2023/10/28/just-a-wife/

Sandra, over at Into the Light Adventures, shared a lovely video. God bless The American Farmer:

https://intothelightadventures.com/the-american-farmer/ 

God bless.

Favorite Book Friday

I'll Love You Enough (The Imagination series Book 11) by Staci Stallings New Adult contemporary romance. Heartbreaking and wow.

Only When I Dream (The Imagination series Book 12) by Staci Stallings New Adult contemporary romance. What a fantastic series. So many insights into my own life. Loved it.

Musical 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 

Little Drummer Boy for King and Country

https://youtu.be/NzEX3QMuVPM 

 

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.

Wordless Wednesday

 

Monday Quote

Sometimes memories sneak out of my eyes and roll down my cheeks.

~ Unknown

Sunday Scripture

Acts 17:30-31

30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Saturday Links

Into the Light Adventures shared "Knowledge is Power."

https://intothelightadventures.com/wildflowers/

Bridget A. Thomas shares "Today is a Gift":

https://bridgetathomas.com/2023/10/27/today-is-a-gift/ 

God bless.

Favorite Book Friday

Hopelessly Devoted to You (The Imagination series Book 6) by Staci Stallings New Adult contemporary romance. Another book that walks me through things I need to learn in a way I enjoy and understand.

Always (The Imagination series Book 7) by Staci Stallings New Adult contemporary romance. Definitely a page turner.

Making Believe (The Imagination series Book 8) by Staci Stallings New Adult contemporary romance. Wow. This one has been the most painful and difficult for me. I see myself in so much of this. 

When You Sing a Love Song (The Imagination series Book 9) by Staci Stallings New Adult contemporary romance. Another step forward in the story.

Who I Am With You (The Imagination series Book 10) by Staci Stallings New Adult contemporary romance. What a remarkable journey, and I'm on it with them in so many ways. 

Thanksgiving

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Are you ready?

 

Sunday Scripture

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Saturday Links

Fake History Hunter debunks myths taught as truths like the Medieval Staircase myth:

https://fakehistoryhunter.net/2023/10/09/medieval-staircases-were-not-built-going-clockwise-for-the-defenders-advantage/ 

Peggy Webb proves there is such a thing as too much of a good thing:

https://christians-read.com/2023/10/10/when-a-good-thing-becomes-too-much-by-peggy-webb/ 

God bless.

Thankgiving is coming...

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...

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

Musical Thursday

Dan Musselman "Simple Worship - Christmas" piano instrumental 38 minutes

https://youtu.be/snm5kEcnflk?si=UyMhSnSz1rD_A4fh